Winter Solstice 2024 at Honeysuckle Creek
2024-06-22 - 2024-06-23 | Honeysuckle Creek Camp Ground, 244 Apollo Rd, Rendezvous Creek, ACT, 2620, Australia
The Winter Solstice weekend CCA camp-out at Honeysuckle Creek is becoming an annual tradition!
Spend the weekend climbing at Booroomba Rocks, Honeysuckle Crag or on the Orroral Ridge (the Orroral Ridge Road is open again – yaaayyyy!!!) and join other climbers at Honeysuckle Creek Camp Ground on Saturday night.
This is a great chance to meet other climbers, have a few drinks and tell a few unbelievable yarns around a roaring campfire.
Climbing
You will need to have a climbing partner to go climbing on this weekend.
The weekend is not an introductory activity for novice climbers, and there will be NO GUIDED CLIMBING for this event. If you cannot arrange a leader, you are welcome to still come along for the camp out.
Camping
The CCA will pay camping fees at Honeysuckle Creek Camp Ground, and we will provide wood for the campfire. We need to know participant numbers to register with ACT Parks and pay the camping fee, so please let the organisers know if you are coming to camp overnight (see RSVP details below).
Honeysuckle Creek Camp Ground has water, toilets, fireplaces, picnic tables and chairs. There is no electricity. You will need to provide everything else, including:

Warm clothes, beanie, gloves etc. in many layers. It will be cold overnight!
Dinner and breakfast, including food, cooking utensils, stove, plates and bowls, cup etc.
Tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, torches (it is the longest night of the year, after all), a folding chair and any other creature comforts you feel are necessary.

We will be camping about 30-70m from the car park.
For more information about the campsite, visit Honeysuckle Campground – Parks ACT.
Registration and further information
For more information, to register for Saturday night camping, or to volunteer to help out, please contact the organiser detailed below.
Honeysuckle campground in winter

CCA Climbing Gym Night
2024-06-27 19:30 - 21:30, 2024-07-11 19:30 - 21:30, 2024-07-25 19:30 - 21:30, 2024-08-15 19:30 - 21:30, 2024-08-29 19:30 - 21:30, 2024-09-12 19:30 - 21:30, 2024-09-26 19:30 - 21:30, 2024-10-10 19:30 - 21:30 (Australia/Sydney) and 4 more dates | CIRC, 38-40 Essington Street, Mitchell, ACT, 2911, Australia
Come and hang out with us!! No RSVP needed, just show up.
The CCA hosts a twice-monthly gym night at the Canberra Indoor Rock Climbing (CIRC) facility in Mitchell, on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month.
This is an opportunity for CCA members to climb with fellow members on a regular basis, learn or practise moves that you might use on outdoor climbs, and buddy up with potential outdoor climbing partners.
You can hire climbing shoes, a harness and chalk from the gym, or you can BYO. You will need to take a free-of-charge short belay course at the CIRC gym if you haven’t already done so.
As a CCA member, you can get a 10% discount on entry if you show your current membership card.
Coordinators for the gym nights are CCA Treasurer, Jack Pezzey, and CCA Secretary, John Wilson. You’ll be able to identify them on the night by the CCA graphics on the back of their club tee-shirt:

CCA General Meeting / guest speaker TBA
2024-07-17 19:30 - 21:30 | Ainslie Football & Social Club, 52 Wakefield Avenue, Ainslie, ACT, 2602, Australia
Come and hear a rundown of the CCA’s recent activities plus general climbing news and points of interest, followed by our guest speaker presentation.
CCA members and non-members are welcome.
Dinner is available from The Limestone Kitchen at the Ainslie Football Club, providing a great chance to relax and socialise with other CCA members before the meeting starts at 7.30pm. A table in the name of CCA is booked for 6pm.
Guest speaker: TBA

CCA General Meeting / guest speaker Hugh Newall – alpine expedition to Bolivia
2024-09-18 19:30 - 21:30 | Ainslie Football & Social Club, 52 Wakefield Avenue, Ainslie, ACT, 2602, Australia
Come and hear a rundown of the CCA’s recent activities plus general climbing news and points of interest, followed by our guest speaker presentation.
CCA members and non-members are welcome.
Dinner is available from The Limestone Kitchen at the Ainslie Football Club, providing a great chance to relax and socialise with other CCA members before the meeting starts at 7.30pm. A table in the name of CCA is booked for 6pm.
Guest speaker: Hugh Newall
Hugh will share his experiences from an unforgettable alpine expedition to Bolivia. Hear stories of high-altitude climbing, choss, spicy leads, taking lead falls on ice, emergency wisdom teeth removal, and the stunning peaks of the Cordillera Real. Hugh will discuss the logistics, planning, and the adventure of mountaineering in one of South America’s most remote regions. Don’t miss this opportunity to get inspired and learn about what it takes to climb in the Bolivian Andes!
Find out more about Hugh and his adventures via Instagram @hughnewall.
Daygin Prescott in the Condoriri Massif (Hugh’s climbing partner)

Namadgi National Park 40th Anniversary – A Rock Climber's Perspective
2024-10-10 15:00 - 16:00 | Namadgi Visitor Centre, Naas Road, Tharwa, ACT, 2620, Australia
On 3 October 2024, Namadgi National Park will mark the 40th anniversary of the declaration of Namadgi as a National Park. The declaration on 3 October 1984 followed a decades-long campaign by the ACT National Parks Association. The ACT Parks and Conservation Service (PCS) and ACT National Parks Association (NPA) will celebrate the anniversary through a series of activities which will be held from 30 September 2024 until 6 October 2024 (the second week of the school holidays) and hosted by PCS and Namadgi stakeholders.
The CCA has long been part of Namadgi’s story, including the Namdgi National Park and the previous Gudgenby Reserve, and has been invited to help PCS celebrate.
We will deliver a presentation, with many accompanying photos, on the history of rock-climbing in Namadgi National Park that stretches back over 50 years. The presentation will be delivered by long-time CCA member Paul Daniel, who has a long history of climbing in the area pre-Namadgi NP and is also a pioneer climber putting up new routes. After the presentation there will be a show and tell of rock-climbing equipment and how it has evolved over the years.
This event is free but bookings are required:
Bookings
Download the 40th Anniversary Activities calendar (PDF 518KB)

Introductory Climbing Day – Booroomba Rocks
2024-10-27 | Booroomba Rocks, Booroomba Rocks, Namadgi National Park, ACT, Australia
Ivory Coast – Booroomba Rocks
Our popular introductory climbing day at Booroomba Rocks, Namadgi National Park, is a great way for newer CCA members who are first-time climbers at Booroomba to enjoy the delights of the classic trad climbs at the Booroomba crag. It is also a great opportunity for indoor climbers to experience the joys of outdoor and trad climbing.
You will be led up a selection of classic routes at Booroomba Rocks, by experienced CCA members; grades will depend on climbers and leaders.
Participation
Participants of any experience are welcome; the focus for the day is to have a good time and provide an informative atmosphere.
The numbers who can participate will depend on how many CCA leaders we have, and we aim for a ratio of one leader/guide for a maximum of two participants, so it’s first in – best dressed!!
This event is only for CCA members. You cannot join the CCA on the day of the event, and you can only join via the CCA website. Please note that it takes about three weeks to receive your member’s card after you submit the membership application form on-line and pay the membership fee.
The day will be hosted by the CCA President, Zac Zaharias, and coordinated by CCA member, Phil Thomas. Please register your interest via the link below.
Please do not turn up on the day and hope to go climbing without having registered, as we need to organise climbing leaders in advance for this event.
What to bring
Integral Crack – Booroomba Rocks
You will need to bring your personal climbing gear (climbing shoes, chalk bag, harness and helmet) plus food and water for the day. A water bottle that you can attach to your harness comes in very handy, as most climbs at Booroomba Rocks are multi-pitch. Many of the climbs are in full sun for most of the day so some form of sun protection is a good idea.
Meeting time and location
We will meet at the Booroomba Rocks car park at 9am for introductions and to organise climbing parties. To get to the car park, drive up Apollo Road to about 1km before the Honeysuckle Creek Tracking Station. Turn right onto the gravel road (it’s signposted) and follow this to the end, about 3 km.

Register for this event

Cancel registration

CCA General Meeting (AGM) / guest speakers Caitlin & Joe Horan – climbing on El Capitan & Yosemite NP
2024-11-20 19:30 - 21:30 | Gungahlin Lakes Golf & Community Club, Gundaroo Drive, Nicholls, ACT, 2913, Australia
This meeting will be our AGM, so we will include election of CCA office bearers for 2024/2025 and a rundown of the CCA’s recent activities plus general climbing news and points of interest. The meeting will be followed by our guest speaker presentation, as usual.
CCA members and non-members are welcome.
Please note the change of venue from our normal club meetings: this meeting will be held at the Gungahlin Lakes Golf & Community Club. Details are provided below.

Dinner is available at the club, providing a great chance to relax and socialise with other CCA members before the AGM starts at 7.30pm. A table in the name of CCA is booked for 6pm.
Guest speakers: Caitlin & Joe Horan – climbing on El Capitan & Yosemite NP
Caitlin and Joe Horan will present on their recent ascent of El Capitan on the route Lurking Fear, along with tips and tricks for climbing and visiting Yosemite NP. They will also present on other Californian climbing destinations visited on their recent road trip.
Cait & Joe on Lurking Fear – El Capitan
Speaker profiles
Caitlin Horan is the Principal of Dickson College. She has been climbing for 25 years, and is the Australian Ambassador for Climbers Against Cancer and the title author for ‘More Than It Hurts” – a book about women in climbing. Cait has extensive coaching experience, is a qualified outdoor guide, and is an advocate for the benefits of outdoor education in schools. Cait travels the world climbing and has two ascents of El Capitan under her belt. From bouldering indoors to climbing big walls, she loves climbing in all its forms.
Joe Horan is a Head of Faculty at Alfred Deakin High School, and has been climbing since he was 9 years old. Joe’s passion is for outdoor climbing, but as a former member of the Australian Climbing Team he continues to compete on occasion. Joe has been involved in all areas of the sport from working in gyms to outdoor guiding. Joe is a well-rounded climber, experienced in all disciplines; he is equally at home crushing on a Moonboard as he is ascending a route on El Capitan. He has travelled the world, visiting world class climbing areas and honing his skills.
Cait & Joe Horan atop El Capitan

CCA Christmas drinks 2024
2024-12-11 18:15 - 21:00 | Capital Brewing Co., Building 3/1 Dairy Rd, Fyshwick, ACT, 2609, Australia
Our last event for the year is the ever-popular Christmas drinks, which will again be held at Capital Brewing Co. in Fyshwick. A table for 20 has been booked in the name of CCA, in the outside beer garden.
Snack type food is available there. Food is also available at brodburger, who have a permanent van in the taproom. Please note that the brodburger kitchen closes at 8pm.
Come along, bring a friend or significant other, and enjoy a night out anticipating your Christmas holiday plans, or getting some great ideas for holiday destinations from fellow climbers!

Farewell Party & Closure of Canberra Indoor Rockclimbing Gym
2025-01-31 17:30 | CIRC, 38-40 Essington Street, Mitchell, ACT, 2911, Australia
We don’t want it to happen… but happen it will.
There will be laughter, tears, climbs, familiar faces, sausages, nibbles, hugs (and some more tears).
Come and say goodbye to our all-time favourite hang-out in Canberra. Let’s climb together one last time!
Please bring a plate to share.
GoFundMe appeal for the cost of CIRC deconstruction
The process of dismantling the gym and fulfilling CIRC’s tenancy commitments comes with significant costs, and the CIRC staff kindly ask for your support as they navigate this transition.
CIRC will cease operations on 30 January, 2025, and must vacate the premises by 28 February, 2025. Starting on 31 January, they will begin removing holds and features, and contractors will begin their work on 3 February, 2025.
Any contributions, big or small, to help CIRC manage these costs during this challenging time would be greatly appreciated. The donation link is:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/deconstruction-of-canberra-indoor-rock-climbing

Introductory Climbing Day – White Rocks (Wickerslack crag) - CANCELLED
2025-03-16 | White Rocks, White Rocks, Karabar, NSW, 2620, Australia
This introductory climbing day, to be held at White Rocks (Wickerslack crag) in Queanbeyan, is an opportunity for indoor climbers and new CCA members to experience some fun and easy top-roped climbs on limestone.

Participation
Current CCA members of any experience are welcome. The focus for the day is to provide an informative atmosphere. For new CCA members, the day is an opportunity to learn basic climbing, rope and cliff skills at the best introductory crag in the region.
This event is for current CCA members only. You cannot join CCA on the day of the event (* see note about CCA membership below).
The day will be hosted by the CCA Vice President, Brian Mattick. He can be contacted by email at brianmattick@outlook.com or phone 0418 633 157.
Event registration is required and is no longer available.

(* Note about CCA membership: you can only join CCA via our website, and it takes about a month to receive your member’s card after you submit the membership application form on-line and pay the membership fee)
What to bring
If you have your own climbing gear (climbing rope, a few slings, carabiners and a belay device), please bring it. If you are new to climbing and have only a harness and helmet, please let us know when you register your intention to attend. We may have to limit numbers because of gear limitations.
You will also need to bring your own food, water and sunscreen for the day.
Meeting time and location
Meet at the car park in Wickerslack Lane, about 450m from the Old Cooma Rd intersection, at 10am.
Climbing routes
Wickerslack Grag climbing guide
White Rocks Climbing Day homework!
The homework is intended to familiarise new climbers with some adventure climbing practices that are not necessarily learned in gym climbing.
White Rocks Climbing Day homework sheet (PDF 2MB)

CCA General Meeting / guest speaker Nick Wakeling – Tradventure in Patagonia
2025-03-19 19:30 - 21:30 | Ainslie Football & Social Club, 52 Wakefield Avenue, Ainslie, ACT, 2602, Australia
Come and hear a rundown of the CCA’s recent activities plus general climbing news and points of interest, followed by our guest speaker presentation.
CCA members and non-members are welcome.
Dinner is available from The Limestone Kitchen at the Ainslie Football Club, providing a great chance to relax and socialise with other CCA members before the meeting starts at 7.30pm. A table in the name of CCA is booked for 6pm.
Lucky Door Prize!
Tonight’s General Meeting will include a Lucky Door Prize, which will be drawn at the meeting. The prize is 2 tickets for Reel Rock 19, screening on Wednesday 26 March.
Time and venue details are here: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/reel-rock-19-canberra-tickets-1141777239459
Guest speaker: Nick Wakeling
Tradventure in Patagonia – Argentina and Chile
Nick has recently returned from a 2 month climbing adventure with 4 friends, climbing from single pitches to 750m multipitches in Argentina and Chile. They climbed at some of the best trad crags including Arenales, Frey, and Cochamo. Plus a bonus month of hiking with his partner in El Chalten and Torres Del Paine.
He is excited to share their adventures with you.

Reel Rock 19
2025-03-26 20:30 - 23:00 | Capital Brewing Co., Building 3/1 Dairy Rd, Fyshwick, ACT, 2609, Australia
Reel Rock 19 showcases three world-premiere climbing films spanning disciplines, characters, and continents: a heartfelt story of second chances in love and climbing on Squamish’s legendary Cobra Crack; an outrageous 18-day big wall epic on Patagonia’s towering Torre Central; and the pursuit of a lifelong dream—a 5.15 first ascent—made possible by an unlikely partnership.
Reel Rock 19 is on tour worldwide starting March 2025.
Complementary tickets
The CCA General Meeting for 19 March will include a Lucky Door Prize of 2 complementary tickets for Reel Rock 19. The Lucky Door Prize will be drawn at the meeting.

DEATH OF VILLAINS
A former child climbing-prodigy confronts his struggle with disordered eating to attempt his life-long dream of climbing a groundbreaking 5.15 first ascent, with the help of an unlikely, and controversial partner.
Featuring: Kai Lightner & Joe Kinder
RIDERS ON THE STORM
Three Belgian big-wallers endure eighteen days of howling snowstorms, frozen feet, and gnarly runouts in their attempt to make a long-coveted alpine first ascent.
Featuring: Siebe Vanhee, Sean Villanueva O’Driscoll & Nico Favresse
THE COBRA & THE HEART
A turbulent 20-year saga of love, loss, and redemption: a whirlwind romance, a crushing defeat on a legendary climb, a religious epiphany, and family betrayal, all building to a desperate bid for a rare second chance—at love, fatherhood, and climbing.
Featuring: Didier Berthod, Thomasina Pidgeon & Cedar Pidgeon

Blue Lake climbing weekend 2025
2025-04-12 - 2025-04-13 | Blue Lake, Blue Lake Kosciuszko National Park, NSW, Australia
Blue Lake, in Kosciuszko National Park, NSW, is a rare and beautiful cirque lake which has some of the clearest waters of any Australian lake. Granite cliffs of up to 55m overlook the west side of Blue Lake, providing some wonderful traditional climbing and the only alpine climbing area in Australia.
Participation
CCA holds this climbing weekend annually. The event is open to all current CCA members, and please note that you cannot join CCA on the day of the event (* see note about CCA membership below).
This is a climbing camp and we don’t provide instruction; we expect everybody to be self-sufficient climbers. However, for those that are a little rusty, there are opportunities to tie in to the other end of the rope and follow more experienced climbers up on some of the easy single-pitch classics on Elephant Buttress.
The weekend will be hosted by CCA President, Zac Zaharias. He can be contacted by email at zaharias@iinet.net.au or phone 0402 286 257.
Registration has closed for this event.
Once you have registered, we will send you details including the camping location and possible car pooling options.
(* Note about CCA membership: you can only join CCA via our website, and it takes about a month to receive your member’s card after you submit the membership application form on-line and pay the membership fee)
What to bring
You will need to be a self-sufficient camper and climber for the entire weekend. We don’t provide any gear for this weekend’s event.
The crag is a 4 km trek from the carpark at Charlotte Pass, and is a steady uphill for most of the way. You will need to walk with all your climbing and camping gear, from the car park to where we camp above the tree line. Day climbing is also possible by walking the 4 km trek from the car park to the cliffs with just your climbing gear.
Climbing routes
Blue Lake climbing guide Blue Lake image gallery

Introductory Climbing Day – White Rocks (Wickerslack crag)
2025-05-25 | White Rocks, White Rocks, Karabar, NSW, 2620, Australia
This introductory climbing day, to be held at White Rocks (Wickerslack crag) in Queanbeyan, is an opportunity for indoor climbers and new CCA members to experience some fun and easy top-roped climbs on limestone.

Participation
Current CCA members of any experience are welcome. The focus for the day is to provide an informative atmosphere. For new CCA members, the day is an opportunity to learn basic climbing, rope and cliff skills at the best introductory crag in the region.
This event is for current CCA members only. You cannot join CCA on the day of the event (* see note about CCA membership below).
The day will be hosted by the CCA Vice President, Brian Mattick.
Event registration is required and has now closed.
(* Note about CCA membership: you can only join CCA via our website, and it takes about a month to receive your member’s card after you submit the membership application form on-line and pay the membership fee)
What to bring
If you have your own climbing gear (climbing rope, a few slings, carabiners and a belay device), please bring it. If you are new to climbing and have only a harness and helmet, please let Brian know this when you register your intention to attend. We may have to limit numbers because of gear limitations. CCA does not have climbing gear for members to borrow.
You will also need to bring your own food, water and sunscreen for the day.
Meeting time and location
Meet at the car park in Wickerslack Lane, about 450m from the Old Cooma Rd intersection, at 10am.
Climbing routes
Wickerslack Grag climbing guide
White Rocks Climbing Day homework!
The homework is intended to familiarise new climbers with some adventure climbing practices that are not necessarily learned in gym climbing.
White Rocks Climbing Day homework sheet (PDF 2MB)

CCA General Meeting / guest speaker Rick Agnew – ascending Carstensz Pyramid and the so-called Seven Summits
2025-06-18 19:30 - 21:30 | Ainslie Football & Social Club, 52 Wakefield Avenue, Ainslie, ACT, 2602, Australia
Come and hear a rundown of the CCA’s recent activities plus general climbing news and points of interest, followed by our guest speaker presentation.
CCA members and non-members are welcome.
Dinner is available from The Limestone Kitchen at the Ainslie Football Club, providing a great chance to relax and socialise with other CCA members before the meeting starts at 7.30pm. A table in the name of CCA is booked for 6pm.
Guest speaker: Rick Agnew – ascending Carstensz Pyramid and the so-called Seven Summits
Local alpine climber, Rick Agnew, will talk about his recent ascent of Carstensz Pyramid and the so-called Seven Summits – maybe touching on the quest of completing the volcano and the second seven summits.
About Rick
Rick’s high altitude pursuits have taken him across the world for 40 years. He has trekked, climbed, guided and/or co-guided in Australia, Africa, north, central and southern America, Nepal, Tibet, Pakistan, New Zealand, Russia as well as in Antarctica.
He has climbed on four 8,000ers multiple times, including Everest, K2, Manaslu and Shishapangma. He is the oldest Australian to have climbed the Seven Summits (the highest mountains on each continent). He is well on his way to completing the volcano seven summits and working his way towards completing a 2nd Seven Summits.
Rick would probably say that Cerro (mountain) Fitzroy has been his hardest climb and his most favourite place – southern Patagonia, Argentina.
After graduating with a forestry degree, Rick undertook his initial officer and pilot training in the Royal Australia Air Force (RAAF), arguably a solid basis for all things high altitude.
Rick has many Australian and international records, but in gliding he holds over 40, including speed, distance and height records.
His qualifications include a doctorate in risk management, a MBA, masters in defence studies, and a post graduate degree in aviation medicine.
When he is not hanging on the ropes, you can usually find him in a glider or blue water sailing.

CCA General Meeting / guest speaker – Matt Clarke, climbing north faces in Chamonix
2025-09-17 19:30 - 21:30 | Ainslie Football & Social Club, 52 Wakefield Avenue, Ainslie, ACT, 2602, Australia
Come and hear a rundown of the CCA’s recent activities plus general climbing news and points of interest, followed by our guest speaker presentation.
CCA members and non-members are welcome.
Dinner is available from The Limestone Kitchen at the Ainslie Football Club, providing a great chance to relax and socialise with other CCA members before the meeting starts at 7.30pm. A table in the name of CCA is booked for 6pm.
Guest speaker: Matt Clarke, climbing north faces in Chamonix
Learn what it’s like to plan for and climb in the birthplace of alpinism!
Matt has just returned from a 4 month trip climbing mostly in Chamonix in the French alps. He completed numerous classics during his visit, including the 1,500m north face of the Grandes Jorasses, crossing from France into Italy, as well as a solo ascent of the Matterhorn and many more.
Come along to hear tips and tricks for planning such a trip, how to find partners safely, and how to manage yourself and others when the bad weather invariably comes and puts a downer on your trip.

Booroomba Rocks Rockclimbing Mini Fest
2025-09-27 | Booroomba Rocks, Booroomba Rocks, Namadgi National Park, ACT, Australia
A day out at our premier crag – Booroomba Rocks, Namadgi National Park – celebrating CCA gaining insurance for activities!
Ivory Coast – Booroomba Rocks
This day is an opportunity for experienced and independent climbers to spring out of Winter and back onto granite, and also for members starting out in climbing and seeking an introduction to trad climbing.
Climbers new to Booroomba Rocks will be able to become familiarised with the landscape and access routes through interaction with long-time climbers at Booroomba Rocks.
Participation
Participants of any experience are welcome, including CCA members who are competent and experienced trad climbers and those who are starting out or want more experience and skills in trad climbing.
CCA members who are starting out or developing their skills will be guided and supervised on climbs by CCA-approved Activity Leaders. The focus for the day is to enjoy the climbing delights of Booroomba Rocks.
This event is only for CCA members. You cannot join the CCA on the day of the event, and you can only join via the CCA website.
Please note that it takes about three weeks to receive your member’s card after you submit the membership application form on-line and pay the membership fee.
The day will be hosted by the CCA President, Zac Zaharias, assisted by Peter Blunt.
Event registration is required and is available now:
Register for this event Cancel registration
Please do not turn up on the day and hope to go climbing without having registered, as we need to organise climbing leaders in advance for this event.
Difficulty & climbing routes
Booroomba Rocks offers a wide variety of climbing from easy routes to extremely challenging ones. There is a 30 minute uphill hike to the crag and lookout, and some climbs may involve a further 20 minute rough hike to the start. Climbs vary from 10m single pitch routes to long multi-pitch routes up to 180m high that involve up to 5 pitches. Booroomba Rocks is a predominantly trad crag with a few sport climbs.
Booroomba Rocks climbing guide
What to bring
Integral Crack – Booroomba Rocks
Independent trad climbers will need to bring their own climbing gear and equipment.
Participants starting out or developing their skills and experience will need to bring their own helmet and harness, and climbing shoes are highly recommended.
Very limited items of gear may be available for loan.
All climbing gear must be in serviceable condition, and ropes, harnesses, helmets and slings must be no more than 10 years old. All climbing equipment must be purpose-designed and certified for use for climbing. All equipment will be inspected prior to activities.
You will also need to bring your own food, water and sunscreen for the day. A water bottle that you can attach to your harness comes in very handy, as most climbs at Booroomba Rocks are multi-pitch. Many of the climbs are in full sun for most of the day so some form of sun protection is a good idea.
Be prepared for both cold and warm conditions throughout the day.
Meeting time and location
We will meet at Namadgi Visitors Centre at 7.30am for introductions and to organise climbing parties.
Questions
You will have an opportunity to ask questions of the Trip Leader/s as part of the event registration process.

CCA General Meeting (AGM) / guest speaker – Caitlin Horan: North American Climbing Adventures: from limestone sport climbing at Wild Iris to big alpine adventures in the Bugaboos, there is a story here for every climber
2025-11-12 19:00 - 21:30 | Ainslie Football & Social Club, 52 Wakefield Avenue, Ainslie, ACT, 2602, Australia
This meeting will be our AGM, so we will include election of CCA office bearers for 2025/2026 and a rundown of the CCA’s recent activities plus general climbing news and points of interest. The meeting will be followed by our guest speaker presentation, as usual.
CCA members and non-members are welcome.
Dinner is available from The Limestone Kitchen at the Ainslie Football Club, providing a great chance to relax and socialise with other CCA members before the AGM starts at 7pm – PLEASE NOTE EARLIER START THAN USUAL!! A table in the name of CCA is booked for 5.30pm.

Guest speaker: Caitlin Horan – North American Climbing Adventures: from limestone sport climbing at Wild Iris to big alpine adventures in the Bugaboos, there is a story here for every climber
Join me for an evening of adventure as I share stories from my journeys across North America, ticking off some of the continent’s 50 most iconic climbs. From the soaring granite spires of The Bugaboos to the legendary columns of Devils Tower, the rugged beauty of the Grand Tetons, the world-class limestone of Wild Iris, and the dramatic expanse of the Cirque of Towers in the Wind River Range; I’ll take you through the landscapes, logistics and unforgettable moments of climbing in these incredible places. Whether you’re a seasoned climber or aspiring adventurer, there will be a route here for everyone.

Why are “The Bugaboos” named after an object of worry, fear or alarm?
Originally named the “Nunataks”, the Bugaboo spires were first noted by a surveying expedition in the late 1800s. Mining brought the first Europeans to the region with a small, ill-fated gold rush occurring in 1895 and 1896 near Bugaboo Falls. The area was prospected and staked, but the meager deposits turned out to be mostly pyrite and galena. The name “Bugaboo” originated from this rush; the term was used by prospectors for a “dead-end”.
Source, and more interesting information: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Bugaboos
Cait Horan in The Bugaboos

Sport Climbing 101 – Gym to Crag
2025-11-16 | ACT
Learn the fundamentals and become a safe, competent and independent outdoor sport climber.
This CCA course will cater to those starting out climbing, gym climbers, and those looking to improve their skills and knowledge in sport climbing.
The primary focus of this course is on safety, proper technique, and enjoyment of the sport.
Participation
Event registration is required and is now closed.
The course is a four-part series. As it is sequential, all sessions should be attended.
This event is only for CCA members. You cannot join the CCA on the day of the event, and you can only join via the CCA website.
Please note that it takes about a month to receive your member’s card after you submit the membership application form on-line and pay the membership fee.
Instruction will be provided by qualified and experienced volunteer leaders from CCA.
Dates and venues

Sunday 16 November – Snake Rock, Namadgi National Park.
Thursday 4 December – evening at Mountain Strong bouldering & fitness gym, Fyshwick – skills workshop.
Sunday 14 December – Tianjarra Falls.
Sunday 18 January – Thompsons Point, Nowra.

Cost
$120 per person, to be paid when registering (contribution to CCA insurance and CCA equipment).
Transport to the course venues is not included; carpooling is recommended.
Essential equipment
Each participant must provide the following climbing gear in good, serviceable condition that is not more than 10 years old. Equipment will be inspected.

Climbing helmet
Climbing harness
2 screw-gate carabiners
Belay device
60cm anchoring sling
Either a 60m dynamic climbing rope OR 12 quick draws OR both
Climbing shoes/boots

Course content
Practical climbing sessions – practical climbing time on rock is maximised.
Safety and risk management – climbing etiquette, environmental awareness, accident prevention.
Climbing gear and equipment – understanding different types of climbing gear and their functions. How to properly use gear – especially Grigri type belay devices.
Basic knots – how to tie essential knots for climbing.
Rope management – proper handling and management of climbing ropes.
Climbing technique – basic and advanced.
Belaying techniques – proper belaying techniques, including both top-roping and lead belaying.
Communication – effective communication signals between climber and belayer.
Lead climbing – clipping techniques, fall management, minimising rope drag, use of clip sticks.
Cleaning anchors.
Falling and resting – how to safely fall while climbing, and techniques for managing falls.
Identifying resting positions on the wall to conserve energy.
Basic abseiling.
Climbing routes and grading – understanding how climbing routes are graded and how to assess and choose routes appropriate to one’s skill level.
Problem solving and complicated terrain.
Fitness and strength training for climbing.
Overview of sport climbing opportunities in Australia and internationally.
Next steps in climbing – guidance on how to further develop climbing skills, including more advanced courses and outdoor climbing opportunities.
Insurance
CCA insurance includes public liability, and association office bearers and volunteer activity leader accident policies.
Course participants are expected to carry their own medical/accident cover and ambulance cover as they deem necessary.
